USD 231 staff learns of terminations in email

Debbie HickmanSpecial to The Gardner News
Gardner Edgerton USD 231 staff received an email detailing the new chain of command. Board members terminated three administrators including Superintendent Bill Gilhaus on Feb. 27.
Lisa Berg, clerk of the USD 231 board, informed staff members of the changes in a Feb. 28 email.
Staff was informed that the board of education had voted to terminate Bill Gilhaus from his duties as superintendent effective immediately ,and Pam Stranathan, director of secondary education, would serve as interim superintendent of schools.
In addition, Christy Ziegler, executive director of educational services, and Lana Gerber, executive director of administrative services, had been terminated effective immediately.
Pending board approval, Jody Marshall, director of special services instruction, will fulfill Gerber’s duties in the interim. Jill Smith, the director of elementary education, will fulfill the responsibilities of the executive director of educational services.
“As the district transitions through these administrative changes, we ask for your patience and support,” the email reads. “USD 231 is fortunate to have an extraordinary group of educational professionals to move the district in a direction that is not only in the best interest of our students and staff members, but in the best interest of the communities it serves. Please know we appreciate each and every one of you and the very important job you do each day for the children of Gardner Edgerton.”